Once you have decided which ownership option best suits you and determined your budget for buying your budding star, purchasing a greyhound can be done in two ways:

1. Purchasing a pup

If you decide to purchase a pup, the best time to purchase it is when the pup is aged between 3 and 5 months. Purchasing a pup allows for you to follow the growth of the greyhound up until it is racing.

The cost of buying a pup can vary greatly depending on its pedigree, with the majority of pups available for $1,000 to $3,500. However, it is not uncommon for greyhounds with an excellent pedigree to fetch over $20,000 in anticipation of their race track potential.

To ensure your pup has received adequate care from the breeder, you should seek proof of inoculations (C3). This inoculation will help you guard your pup against some canine diseases.

It is also worth considering whether the breeder will allow for a vet check to inspect the greyhound for any signs of injury that you may be unable to pick up.
Whilst pedigree and price may often determine the success of a greyhound, there have been a number of successful greyhounds, purchased at a reasonable price, that have won a large amount of prizemoney.

Amongst the highest all time prizemoney earners in Australia are:
1. High Earner (Vic) - $553,795
2. Rapid Journey (NSW) - $530,995
3. El Galo (Vic) - $519,380
4. Bogie Leigh (Qld) - $488,335
5. Mantra Lad (Vic) - $455, 860
6. El Grand Senor (Vic) - $444,050
7. Cindeen Shelby (Vic) - $443,895
8. Betty’s Angel (Vic) - $436,620
9. Paua To Burn (NSW) - $434,705
10. Dyna Lachlan (Vic) - $434,555

2. Purchasing a racing greyhound

To purchase a greyhound that is already racing is generally more expensive, with a city class greyhound available for around $10,000 to $20,000. Racing greyhounds can be bought directly from registered owners. Purchasing a racing greyhound allows you to get in on the racing action sooner, with the greyhound already named, and already raced. This also provides a guide to the likely success that your greyhound will have on the track.

3. Cost Ownership Index
GRNSW publishes the Greyhound Ownership Cost Index (GOCI). The information provided in the GOCI enables prospective owners and new entrants to be aware of the costs associated with owning a greyhound up to the stage of racing.

The GOCI identifies such costs as, acquiring and rearing a greyhound pup to the age of 80 weeks, basic education, using professional trainers and rearers, and any fees associated with registering and naming your greyhound.

When determining your budget for purchasing a greyhound, ongoing ‘rearing’ and ‘training’ costs need to be considered.

To download the latest copy of the Greyhound Ownership Cost Index click here

There are a number of industry publications available that have information on greyhounds available for purchase such as the Greyhound Recorder, on sale at newsagents every Thursday.